The government of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, has announced an operational change at Hawkesbury District Health Service, known as Hawkesbury Hospital, in Windsor.

The decision comes as St John of God Health Care, a not-for-profit private health care group, has decided not to renew its contract to provide services at the hospital.

All the services provided by St John of God Health Care are now being transitioned to Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District (NBMLHD).

The transfer of services is expected to be completed by 30 June this year.

Both organisations have said they are committed to ensuring a seamless transition for patients and staff, focusing on the continuity of safe and compassionate care.

During the transition, Hawkesbury Hospital and its 24-hour emergency department, operating theatres, community health services and outpatient clinics will continue to operate as usual.

In addition, public patient appointments and clinic hours will remain unchanged. 

NBMLHD currently provides care across four hospital campuses and nine community health centres for around 380,000 residents across the Blue Mountains, Nepean, Lithgow and Hawkesbury regions.

The group has said that the hospital staff's skills, knowledge and expertise will be retained under the new management and that it will aim to ensure the staff's local knowledge continues to contribute to the community's healthcare.

Regular updates and community engagement will be part of the transition process, with the aim to preserve 'the best aspects' of the current services.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said: “NSW Health and the NBMLHD is well-placed to continue to provide high quality healthcare to patients.

“I want to assure the community that the excellent care and services at Hawkesbury Hospital will remain unchanged.

“And I want to assure staff that NSW Health will engage closely and regularly with you throughout this period to provide for as smooth a transition as possible.”